UNO KEYS TO VICTORY

The Mavericks need to clean up the mistakes (four turnovers, a blocked field-goal try and a bad punt snap) that cost them dearly in last year's loss. They'll need steady play from one or both of their quarterbacks, John Teigland and Jon Daniels. The offensive line, led by Harrison Lingenfelter and Dennis Bergland, will have to set a tone and give UNO the ability to run or pass. Guard James Davis, who played as a true freshman last year at Ohio University, was finally certified eligible and should help. Loper QB Jake Spitzlberger caused the Mavs problems with his scrambling ability and his arm. And the Mav secondary, too often beaten deep last year, will need to contain speedy WR Kyle Kaiser. That means CBs Bryan Shepherd, Trevor Maldon and Bruce Harris had better be on their toes.

UNK KEYS TO VICTORY

The Lopers need to clean up the mistakes (two long touchdown passes allowed, a touchdown called back by penalty, a missed field-goal try, a red-zone fumble and a blocked punt that set up a field goal) that cost them dearly in last week's loss to Wayne State. The Lopers held UNO to 75 yards rushing last year — 105 if not for a poor punt snap — and would likely accept holding UNO to 105 rushing this year.. UNK redshirt freshman DL Sandi Stanback — a 6-foot-2, 325-pounder out of Boys Town — could have a lot to say about that. A young secondary also will have to contain a UNO passing game with threats that include WRs Brian Miller and Marques Parker and TE Mike Higgins. CB Arthur Hobbs, a junior-college transfer, was recruited for such challenges and fared well against Wayne State's Frederick Bruno.

THE PRESSURE IS ON

UNO quarterback TBA: Whoever starts at quarterback, either Teigland or Daniels, will have the responsibility of directing what should be a very good offense against a defense that typically causes the Mavs fits. Greg Wunderlich played perhaps his only poor game of 2009 against UNK — though one of three interceptions wasn't his fault — and the Mavs lost. Teigland started once last year, while Daniels sat out after transferring from a junior college. UNO expects blitzing from the Lopers in all second-and-long and third-and-long situations.

EXTRA POINTS

UNO coach Pat Behrns said he wouldn't hesitate to use either of two true freshmen tailbacks, James Franklin and Jeff Seybold. ...Two other true freshmen, linebacker Shaquil Barrett and defensive tackle Julian Young, are expected to play for the Mavs. ... Defensive end Nate Wissink and key backup tight end Austin Wells are both expected to play after missing time in UNO's fall camp with injuries. ...UNK receiver Brendan Liess is out after injuring a hamstring while scoring a touchdown last week. ...OL Stephen Goodin, an expected UNK starter, is out for the season with an injury.

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